It also makes me wish I could go back and re-visit my college/grad school days, and do it over with something much, much cooler than what I did. Of course, I have a sense that college and grad school today involves way more travel to interesting, exotic places than when I went (my trips tended to be to a bar). So enjoy this while you can--it gets tougher to get out there in the world once you're out.

I am, however, planning to head to NZ in early November (before the premiere, paradoxically, to avoid crowds). It just took a little while to get there....

but right now we're in Mexico soaking up the sun and we had already left for the beach before Fiesta arrived! We're having a great time and it's pretty warm so we hve no complaints about anything. (not trying to make anyone jealous, I promise!)

Anyway there's no lack of refreshments down here, so I'll just wish you all a great weekend. "There are some things that it is better to begin than to refuse, even though the end may be dark."

of anyone here, either are their attention spans, so Daniel just let it fly, thank you very much

I am happy you are having a ball getting work done and playing with the indigent tribe, the slippery ones with the whiskers. If it was me, and if the water was warm i would be most tempted to jump in the water with these guys.

Your pictures are a fascination and beautiful. Say what are those white condos doing there out in the bay?. Those two stoic penguins would be great for a caption thread!

I'd do a bad weather dance but if i do it too well you may have a rather blistering ride back to the Falklands. You know me, i don't want to create any waves

I will bet you had a passing thought of bringing home one of those pups. What cute rascals.

Here is to a pleasant and safe ride back Daniel, and please keep that camera handy.

"Rodent-driven weekend" -- you mean like by a bunny-sled? ;-)
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Actually, rabbits aren't rodents, but that line made me think of a weekend being propelled along by a bunny sled. Okay, yes, I need to get more sleep...

Blistering hot here these past few weeks, barely a smidgen of rain in sight, grass going brown everywhere -- this is the hottest by far summer since I've been in NZ -- it actually feels like *summer*, and more like summer in New Mexico than those misty cool summers of Puget Sound. I've been having to water my chickens on hot days like today -- and I don't mean giving them fresh water (which of course they already have), I mean *watering* them like you'd water a lawn, hosing them down to cool them off! The free-ranging ones don't stay put for long when it starts "raining", but my hen with 11 chicks is in a pen that gets pretty hot, and she seems to appreciate being watered.

And if you wonder why Ro isn't getting much sleep these days, here's a typical night for us:

10:00 pm : Eldarion finally gives up ("I'M NOT SLEEPY!!!" he says) and falls asleep, right around complete dark. 12:00 am : We finally head to bed, after finishing evening chores and indulging (in my case, anyways) in some TORn or other Hobbity goodness. 3:30 am : The 17-year-old cat, who sleeps in a corner in our room, and who is well-known for not using a litterbox, starts crinkling crinkly things on our floor. That can only mean one thing...I leap out of bed, try to find her before she scoots under the bed, grab her (if I'm lucky) and either chuck her in the laundry room or outside. 4:30 am : They 14-year-old, senile, mostly-deaf dog starts barking inanely from the laundry room for her breakfast. Mr. Ro gets kicked out of bed to put her out and feed her to shut her up. 4:45 am : The rooster in the laundry room (don't ask) starts crowing. 4:48 am : The other 5 roosters (outside) start crowing. This crowing continues for the next several hours. 5:15 am : One young cat comes tearing into our room, leaps onto the small garbage can, and begins disembowling it. She continues strewing its contents about until someone lets her out. 6:30 am : NZ Toddler wakes up and hollers. She then joins us in bed and consents to lay still with us for about 15 minutes, after which she's up for a rousing game of "face". 6:45 am : The old dog has forgotten she had breakfast already, and (from outside this time) starts barking inanely again. She won't hush until she's had second breakfast, or she forgets why she's barking. 6:55 am : There's no point in trying to pretend any longer. We're up. *yawwn*

However, I sold two roosters today, so down to four -- yay! -- unfortunately still have the one in the laundry room.

Anyways, I hope everyone else's lives are a bit more peaceful!

Oh, and The Hobbit leaves our theaters after Tuesday...sadness!!!...I'm going to try to go one last time. Can't wait for the DVD, but it's never the same as seeing it in all its glory on the big screen.

I seem to not make it here until Saturday these days. I worked yesterday & had a doctor appointment, also. Hopefully I ' ll get my wrist fixed with the surgery I'm having done. No big plans for the weekend other than grocery shopping & house cleaning. We are short-staffed at work right now so I've been picking up some extra hours.

Maryland near Baltimore so this town is going crazy including where I work. I am not a sports fan by a long shot so I have to be sure not to wear purple by mistake. I will be watching Downton Abbey on Monday-can't wait!

I've got an Irish Coffee for the Gaffer, too. I'm so glad he's feeling better :) From what I've heard, those flu shots won't save you from getting sick, but minimize the impact. To me, getting a shot should mean "FORCE FIELD" and safety from getting sick.

My son-in-law is a HUGE Baltimore Ravens fan. He's very non-demanding, hard working and a great husband and step-father... so everyone gives him all the space and time he needs to enjoy his Ravens. I mean... it's the yelling at the tv, jumping up and down, frothing fandom going on for this very easy-going, accommodating guy. :D He's a riot to watch! So I'm definitely rooting for the Ravens in honour of my new son.

I hope you have a fantastic weekend, m'dear! Don't YOU get sick! Wishes you a Happy Groundhog Day!

I'm so impressed... and sleepy! I hope you have a restful weekend and a GREAT last viewing of The Hobbit *sniffle* There really is nothing like seeing these on the BIG SCREEN! Now... if the theatre came with a pause button, it would be perfect :D Wishes you a Happy Groundhog Day!